Advisors Face Credibility Gap in Crypto Era, CoinShares Survey Finds

TL;DR

• A recent CoinShares survey reveals that 82% of wealthy investors are more inclined to work with advisors who offer crypto investment support, yet nearly a third are concerned about advisors’ limited experience and risk awareness.
• Investor interest in digital assets remains strong, with 89% planning to increase crypto exposure in 2025.
• Regulated products like ETFs are now more popular than centralized exchanges for entering the crypto space safely and strategically.

The latest investor sentiment report from CoinShares highlights a pressing challenge for traditional financial advisors: keeping pace with client demand for crypto expertise. Among the 500 surveyed investors—ranging from high-net-worth individuals to those with growing portfolios—there’s a clear appetite for credible digital asset advice. However, 29% of respondents flagged concerns about their advisors’ lack of hands-on crypto experience or failure to communicate associated risks effectively and clearly.

While 88% of crypto investors already engage with financial advisors, most expect far more than general financial planning. They seek advisors who can educate, explain regulatory products, and navigate volatile market conditions. In fact, 55% said it is “extremely important” for advisors to have digital asset knowledge, and 51% would actively seek professionals who provide crypto-specific education and continuous updates about market dynamics.

For advisors willing to invest in their crypto literacy and provide strategic guidance, the opportunity is substantial. As CoinShares CEO Jean-Marie Mognetti put it, clients are no longer just asking what to buy, they want to know whether their advisor understands digital assets as deeply as they do.

Digital Assets Now Central To Wealth Strategies

Investor behavior is rapidly shifting toward a crypto-inclusive wealth model. According to the survey, 89% of current crypto holders plan to expand their positions in 2025. Over half already trade or monitor the space daily, reflecting how embedded digital assets have become in modern portfolios and financial thinking.

Interestingly, sub-high-net-worth individuals are leading the charge in terms of future investment. Thirty-nine percent of them plan to increase crypto exposure, compared to just 13% of their wealthier counterparts. Many rely on public sources to educate themselves due to the perceived lack of advisor expertise, underscoring both the urgency and potential for professionals who can bridge this knowledge gap effectively.

Regulated investment vehicles such as crypto ETFs and trusts are increasingly favored. Currently, 28% of wealthy investors use these products, while only 21% prefer centralized exchanges. The implication is clear: security, transparency, and proper guidance matter. Advisors who can offer access to compliant, transparent, and well-structured investment options are poised to earn long-term trust in an evolving market.